In the northeastern corner of Europe lie the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It is a region of lush forests, shimmering lakes, protected bogs, unspoilt coastlines and icy winters. From prehistoric civilizations to German and Russian occupation, each of these countries has been shaped by history and weaved into unique, incredibly vibrant cultural tapestries. Today the Baltics are highly developed, forward-thinking and technologically advanced nations that consistently outrank many other European countries in all the right metrics.
Join us on a photo journey through this breathtaking, underrated region and discover why the Baltics are slowly emerging as a tourist region in its own right.
Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is a compact city with an extremely rich history and a perfectly preserved medieval Old Town; yet is simultaneously incredibly modern with high-rises, world-class
infrastructure and exceptional (yet affordable by European standards) quality of life.
The Viru Gate was part of the 14th century defensive wall system in Tallinn, and today greets visitors to one of the city’s major pedestrian streets in the Old Town, lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.
Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, lined with outdoor cafes, has been the city’s meeting place since the Middle Ages, and is today one of the city’s prime venues for markets, festivals and open-air concerts. It is world-famous for it’s lively annual Christmas market and as the site where, according to legend, the world’s first Christmas tree was erected.
Kiek in de Kök is a medieval artillery tower in Tallinn, with 13ft (4m) thick walls that still have cannon balls embedded in them. Today it is a museum and gallery.
After snowfall Tallinn’s Old Town transforms into a fairytale winter wonderland…
…and with snowfall almost guaranteed during the Holiday Season, Tallinn is one of the best destinations for a white Christmas.
Tallinn city as seen from a viewpoint in the Old Town. Tallinn has in recent years become a major tech and start-up hub in Europe.
The Kadriorg Palace was built by Peter the Great in honor of his wife, Catherine I. Today it houses the Kadriorg Art Museum which exhibits Estonian, Western European and Russian art; and is a popular attraction with its beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains.
About half of Estonia is covered in forests and bogs; with 6 national parks that protect important ecosystems.
The quarry lake of Rummu is a popular diving spot with abandoned buildings on the lake bottom, including a former prison, clearly visible in the crystal clear waters.
Estonia’s dramatic coastline offers particularly beautiful sunset vistas over the Gulf of Finland.
The tranquil Keila waterfall is a popular attraction in Estonia’s Harju County.
Sunset from a beach in Pärnu, Estonia’s most famous summer holiday destination and beach resort city.
A boardwalk in Lahemaa National Park, one of the most important protected forest areas in Europe; also home to sandy shorelines, bogs, rivers and many animal species such as moose, boars, foxes, lynxes and brown bears.
A bridge on the Taevaskoja Nature Trail in the south of Estonia.
Narva Castle, a 13th-century castle-turned-museum in Estonia’s easternmost city, Narva; separated from Russia by the Narva River.
The city of Tartu is home to the University of Estonia, one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe.
The imposing Sõrve Lighthouse located on the island of Saaremaa – the largest of Estonia’s roughly 2000 islands and one of the largest islands in the Baltic.
Latvia
Riga, Latvia’s capital and the largest metropolis in the Baltic region. Its Old Town, with Gothic spires and Art Nouveau masterpieces, is complemented by modern glass and steel high-rises that both tell a story of the city’s former, and current, fortunes.
The UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town of Riga is lined with cobblestone streets, trendy cafes and incredible architecture.
The House of the Blackheads, Riga’s most famous architectural gem. It was built in the 14th century as a venue for the Brotherhood of Blackheads (a historic guild for unmarried merchants and shipowners) to host banquets and meetings. The building was destroyed in WW2 but was fully rebuilt in 1999.
Christmas markets, like this one in Dome Square, have long drawn many visitors in the Holiday Season. In fact, Riga contends with Tallinn’s claim as the original site of the first Christmas tree.
Riga’s Central Market (pictured in centre here) features an unmissable selection of fresh produce, seafood, fast food stands and entertainment. It is housed in massive, decommissioned airship hangars and is one of the largest markets in Europe, reportedly drawing more than 80 000 people to its culinary delights daily.
With almost 500km (310 miles) of coastline, Latvia is blessed with countless unspoilt beaches. Pictured here is Cape Kolka – where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga.
The Turaida Museum Reserve, located just outside Sigulda, is the nation’s most visited museum. It features a medieval castle, a wooden church from the 1700s and many expositions of the region’s history, culture and art.
Gauja National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Latvia, protects a diverse bioregion and unique monuments.
More than half of Latvia is covered in forest, and locals love to forage for berries or mushrooms in season.
Sunset over the Jūrkalne seashore bluffs, one of the most picturesque parts of Latvia’s Baltic seashore.
Rundāle Palace, one of the most important baroque palaces in Latvia, features a museum and a French style manicured rose garden with fountains. The Palace Museum hosts official receptions, weddings and many concerts and events throughout the year.
The ruined side of the medieval Bauska Castle, located near the Lithuanian border.
A traditional windmill adding old-wold charm to the Latvian countryside.
The Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk in Kemeri National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and therapeutic mud.
Lithuania
Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital and largest city. From its UNESCO-listed Old Town to its modern glass towers; the city is the perfect amalgamation of art, culture, history, technology and a world-class culinary scene.
Like its Baltic capital sisters, Vilnius is renowned for its Christmas markets and good chances of snow during the Holidays.
The Republic of Užupis is a small district in Vilnius that satirically declared independence in April 1997, and even has its own currency, government and anthem. It is the bohemian heart of Vilnius where artists, free spirits and intellectuals get together.
Gediminas Castle Tower, the symbol of Vilnius – the perfect viewing spot with permanent exhibitions of the city’s past.
The Glass Quarter in Vilnius is a historical Jewish neighbourhood that today boasts many upmarket boutiques and cafes.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus. Visitors can climb the 57m (187 ft) high bell tower for panoramic views of the city from the belfry.
The main beach of Nida, Lithuania’s westernmost town. It is situated on the Curonian Spit – a 98km (61 mile) long sand dune that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Half of the Spit is found in Lithuania and half is located in the neighbouring Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia.
Ballooning over the Trakai resort area – a region renowned for its lakes, forests and pure air. It is a popular destination for health and wellness travelers.
The reconstructed Trakai Island Castle, one of the most important buildings of the medieval Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Today it is one of the country’s most popular attractions.
The medieval Kaunas Castle in Kaunas is one of Lithuania’s first stone castles, dating back to the 14th century. Today it is the site of a branch of the Kaunas city museum and hosts exciting annual events.
Klaipėda, Lithuania’s third largest city and only seaport.
Sunset from a Blue Flag beach in Klaipėda.
Lithuania has no shortage of breathtaking countryside and farmlands, like these near the village of Dargužiai.
The Hill of Crosses just north of Šiauliai. It is estimated that between 55 000 to 100 000 crosses have been left by Catholic pilgrims to this site, and the hill has become a symbol of the peaceful endurance of Lithuanian people throughout the country’s often turbulent history.
More than 33% of Lithuania is covered in forests, an especially magical site in snowy winter months.
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